NORFOLK, Va. - Aviation Institute of Maintenance student Nicole Cain has been named as the James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year. Cain is the fourth AIM student in the past two decades to receive the esteemed honor.
The Rardon Award recognizes and rewards excellence among aviation maintenance technician students. Cain, a wounded veteran, helped other student veterans transition to civilian life all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the 21-month program.
Cain also tutored classmates, lead class projects and trained junior mechanics in maintaining the airworthiness of unique aircraft.
“Her passion for aviation is infectious," said AIM’s Director of Education Tim Murry. "She commits herself to her education, and her apprenticeship. Despite being a single mother and a wounded veteran, Nicole’s dedication to her studies and fellow students is apparent. Our institution, the local community, the organization of Women in Aviation, and the local veteran population are all the better due to her involvement.”
Cain was nominated by the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC). This fall, she will attend the ATEC Annual Conference in Forth Worth, Texas where she will receive a plaque and cash award.
Cain has since been offered a full-time position and is the first intern to convert to employee.
